Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • N1.3billion Fraud:  How Pastor Oloche Ebonyi Acquired Hotel, Factory with Subscribers’ Funds

    N1.3billion Fraud:  How Pastor Oloche Ebonyi Acquired Hotel, Factory with Subscribers’ Funds

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  Fresh facts have emerged about the alleged criminal activities of the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi,  recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC.

    EFCC has Investigations showed that Ebonyi acquired a 23-room hotel, a pure water factory,  two blocks of a Primary School and two bungalow office  at Nyanya-Gwandara, New Karu,  Abuja and a five-bedroom duplex at Karsana, Abuja  with the proceeds of his fraudulent dealings with his subscribers.

    He also set up a live broadcast channel with studio equipment for his Theobarth Global Foundation with the funds of his subscribers, a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesman has disclosed.

     

    Ebonyi was arrested  in 2023 by the EFCC for allegedly defrauding his church members and other Nigerians using fake grants from the Ford Foundation to the tune of N1, 319,040,274.31( One Billion Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Forty Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy Four Naira,  Thirty One Kobo)

     

    Specifically, he was arrested for defrauding his victims, comprising Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs and individuals by advertising an intervention project through his NGO( Theobarth Global Foundation) claiming that the Ford Foundation  was offering a grant of $20,000, 000. 000(  Twenty Billion United State Dollars) to assist the less-privileged in the society.

     

    He allegedly hoodwinked his victims to subscribe as beneficiaries of the phony grant by asking them to pay for registration forms and clusters. Each subscriber was made to pay N1,800,000( One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira only).  Through this arrangement,  Ebonyi allegedly raked in N1,391,040, 274.31.  His subscribers are innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs across the country.

     

    Investigations by the EFCC showed that Ford Foundation had no arrangement, grant,  relationship or business with Ebonyi.  The Foundation pointedly disclaimed him and his NGO stressing that it had no link whatsoever with them.  The Commission has also traced five properties he acquired as proceeds of his criminal dealings.

     

    Ebonyi is still reportedly reaching his subscribers on some social media platforms to market his spurious grant from Ford Foundation. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Garrison Commander lauds FG, MTN for commitment toward delivering standard Enugu-Onitsha Highway

    Garrison Commander lauds FG, MTN for commitment toward delivering standard Enugu-Onitsha Highway

     

     

    The Garrison Commander, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Murtala Abu, has lauded the Federal Government and MTN for commitment toward delivering a world standard Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriage Highway.

     

    Abu gave the commendation in Enugu on Thursday in his office during a strategic meeting with MTN/ Crown Crest Global Engineers (CCGE) Community Liaison Initiative (CLI) team led by the Chairman/Principal, Engr Chris Okoye.

    The commander praised the Federal Government for coming up with such a novel scheme of funding road infrastructure and thanked MTN for its commitment toward delivering a world standard road for the good of Nigerians.

     

    He explained that the challenges with a smart road included: indiscipline by road users and not having enough vehicles for patrols.

     

    The commander added that roadblocks were tactically located as this area is prone to armed robbery and IPOB disturbances.

     

    Abu, however, assured the MTN/CCGE-CLI team that their suggestions on the smart road and the role of security agencies would be further examined so that the best option can be adopted.

    He advised the MTN/ CCGE-CLI team to partner with the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps to also reduce the number of checkpoints on the roads and with the state government to support them with patrol vehicles.

     

    The Garrison Commander said: “A joint security meeting with all the security outfits and the construction companies to discuss the location of the CCTVs and how to ensure that the road remains smart would be the sure way to go.

     

    “I will also appeal that the road be constructed to make room for future expansion into a four-lane expressway due to the growth and development of Nigeria’s South-East and the importance of this particular Highway”.

     

    Earlier, Okoye said that when completed, the 107-kilometre Enugu–Onitsha Dual Carriage Highway would be a full option smart road; adding that MTN is funding the construction through the Federal Government novel Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS).

    According to him, smart roads are in vogue world over and are good for traffic management and security; while it is planned to be a freeway to encourage a free flow of traffic from one end to the other.

     

    “When completed, there will be no difference between day and night time driving on this Highway as there are plans to deploy solar light right from Enugu to Onitsha.

     

    “Drones and CCTV Cameras will be deployed along the length of the road in which control rooms will be installed to monitor activities on the road.

    “Checkpoints will also be a thing of the past if the smart road concept is fully deployed, instead lots of security patrols will be encouraged to guard against a situation where checkpoints hamper and slow down traffic on the Highway.

     

    “The security personnel will be encouraged to do more of clear stop-and-search as stop by and clearing areas will be an integral part of the dual carriageway’s construction,” he said.

     

    Okoye said MTN/CCGE-CLI was focused to ensure that the Highway remained beneficial to all stakeholders along the road corridor and “MTN/CCGE-CLI is committed to working with the Nigerian Army to create a synergy on security on the road”.

    Okoye was accompanied to the meeting by Dr Reginald Facah, Coordinator of the MTN/CCGE Community Liaison Initiative (CLI) and the Community Liaison Officer in Enugu State, Mrs Chinenye Okwuosa. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Navy impounds N1.05b worth of crude oil in one week

    Navy impounds N1.05b worth of crude oil in one week

     

    Flowerbudnews
    The Nigerian Navy says the troops of Operation Delta Sanity have intercepted 4,036.7 barrels of crude oil and 270,600 litres of illegally refined AGO, valued N1.05 billion from oil thieves in one week.

    The Director of Naval Information, Rear Adm. Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said the operations were conducted by the navy between January 29 and February 4.

    Ayo-Vaughan said the operations also led to the deactivation of 40 wooden boats, 55 illegal refining ovens, 49 reservoirs, 27 dugout pits and 19 illegal refining sites.

    ccording to him, the various NN platforms deployed for the operation have continued to conduct aggressive patrols to combat oil theft within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

    The navy spokesman said the Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, in conjunction with three Naval Security Stations, on January 29 conducted reconnaissance operations around Elem Krakrama Creek and Ke in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

    He said the team intercepted six wooden boats laden with about 600 litres of products suspected to be stolen AGO and 566 barrels of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.

    He said that the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, on the same day, conducted operation around Brass River, Akassa, Obama in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa as well as Nembe and Southern Ijaw.

    “During the operations, the team discovered four illegal refining sites, five ovens and two pumping machines.

    “They also arrested five wooden boats laden with about 704.4 barrels (112,000 litres) of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and the sites and items were dismantled while the products were handled appropriately.

    “Also, on January 29, FOB Escravos in Delta  conducted anti crude oil theft operations around Saghara Creek in Warri South Local Government Area.

    “During the operation, the team visited a previously deactivated illegal refining site which was observed to be under reconstruction and had one empty reservoir and five dug out pits,” he said.

    Ayo-Vaughan said the NNS SOROH in Bayelsa in conjunction with naval station 030 and Ocean Marine Solution Houseboat Peremebiri, also conducted operations around Ogbotobo and Fish Camp Community in Atala area of Bayelsa between January 29 and February 2.

    He said the team discovered a vandalised flowline station belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company which was recently reactivated.

    According to him, the team also found a newly constructed illegal refining site with two pumping machines, three generators, galvanised pipes, 50 kg gas cylinder, and other construction items.

    He added that the team also found one wooden boat laden with sacks of about 19,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen AGO, adding that the boat was safely deactivated.

    According to him, on January 30, Naval Base Oguta in Imo conducted an operation and discovered one fibre boat laden with about 7.5 barrels (1,200 litres) of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.

    “Furthermore, from January 30 to February 2, Naval Flying Unit, Port Harcourt conducted aerial surveillance at Abonnema, Temakiri, Aiya Abissa, Ke, Krakrama Tuma, Samkiri, Ukwa West, Ikwuriator, Imo River and Aba River.

    “During surveillance, the team sighted various  illegal refining sites and wooden boats laden with unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO in numerous numbers suspected to have been siphoned from a nearby wellhead.

    “Accordingly, the incident was reported to relevant Units for appropriate action,” he added.

     

  • How Nigerian Navy saved 91,725 barrels of crude oil in 2023 – ex-Commadant

    How Nigerian Navy saved 91,725 barrels of crude oil in 2023 – ex-Commadant

     

    Flowerbudnews

    Former Commandant of the Navy War College, Rear Admiral Murtala Bashir (rtd.), says the Nigerian Navy’s onslaught against oil thieves saved the nation 91,725.26 barrels of crude in 2023.

     

    Bashir made the disclosure in a paper he presented at the inauguration of the Naval Warfare Course 8 in Calabar on Monday.

     

    He spoke on the topic, “Operational Level Warfare: Imperatives for Training and Command in the Nigerian Navy”.

    He said that this was against 889,890 barrels that were saved from thieves between January and December 2022.

     

    According to Bashir, the economic saboteurs were also denied of 513,350 litres of Kerosene in 2023 alone.

     

    He further said that 351 illegal refining sites, 630 storage tanks and 315 wooden boats were deactivated within the same period.

    He said that 78 suspects, 35 vessels and 13 trucks were arrested between January and December 2023.

     

    While commending the Navy for the feat, he said that more action was needed to reduce the activities of oil thieves to the barest level.

     

    “The aforementioned achievements and others were possible because most operational level commanders displayed sterling personal qualities, such as diligence, commitment, courage, knowledge, foresight, ability to take risks, ability to delegate authority and respect for subordinates, among others,” he said.

     

    Bashir also commended the Navy for delisting the country from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) list of High Risk Countries.

     

    “For so many years, Nigeria’s Maritime area was plagued by piracy with the area regarded as a High Risk Area, alongside the gulf of Aden and other notorious areas by the IMO.

     

    “It is noteworthy to say that the Flag Officer Commanding of the operational commands doubled his efforts by being proactive.

     

    “They invested more in intelligence and collaborating with other stakeholders, which led to the coordinated and sustained operations in their individual area of responsibilities with occasional overlaps.

     

    “Many of the pirates were arrested ashore, either while planning their operations or when they returned after operations,” he said.

     

    Bashir called for the optimisation of the operational level of Naval Warfare Training for the service to produce professional officers that would adequately translate strategic directives into precise tactical actions.

     

    “The officers will also be apolitical and more responsive to national security priorities.

     

    “They will be more efficient in the alignment and use of resources, uphold the law and respect human rights, thereby earning public trust, respect and confidence,” Bashir said.

  • EFCC Arrests Pastor for N1.3billion Fake Grants, Money Laundering

    EFCC Arrests Pastor for N1.3billion Fake Grants, Money Laundering

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    (Flowerbudnews): EFCC Operatives have arrested the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, for defrauding church members and other Nigerians using fake grants from the Ford Foundation to the tune of N1, 319,040,274.31( One Billion Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Forty Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy Four Naira,  Thirty One Kobo).

    Ebonyi  was arrested for defrauding his victims, comprising Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs and individuals by advertising an intervention project through his NGO( Theobarth Global Foundation) claiming that the Ford Foundation  was offering a grant of $20,000, 000. 000(  Twenty Billion United State Dollars) to assist the less-privileged in the society.

    This was disclosed in a statement by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesman,a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews.

    He allegedly beguiled his victims to subscribe as beneficiaries of the phony grant by asking them to pay for registration forms and clusters. Each subscriber was made to pay N1,800,000( One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira only).  Through this arrangement,  Ebonyi allegedly raked in N1,391,040, 274.31.  His subscribers are innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs across the country.

    Investigations by the EFCC showed that Ford Foundation had no arrangement, grant,  relationship or business with Ebonyi.  The Foundation pointedly disclaimed him and his NGO stressing that it had no link whatsoever with them.  The Commission has also traced five properties he acquired as proceeds of his criminal dealings.

    Ebonyi is still reportedly reaching his subscribers on some social media platforms to market his spurious grant from Ford Foundation.

    He would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • New NSCDC Commandant pledges to tackle kidnapping, vandalism in Enugu

    New NSCDC Commandant pledges to tackle kidnapping, vandalism in Enugu

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The new Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Enugu State, Mr Cyprian Otoibhi, has pledged to tackle kidnapping and vandalism headlong in the state.

     

    Otoibhi gave the pledge on Monday in Enugu after a show-of-force by officers and men of NSCDC Enugu State Command within Enugu metropolis and beyond.

     

    He said that when he came into the state about three weeks ago, “it was kidnapping that was the order of the day”.

    “I have met with my officers on ground, and the Command has vowed to tackle the menace headlong and ensure that people are free in the state.

    “We are devising means to ensure that the peace-loving people of the state sleep with their two eyes closed and people can live their lives without fear of being abducted,” he said.

     

    The new commandant also said that the state would not be conducive for vandals any more, adding: “I will replicate what I did in Lagos here.”

    “Within few months, I assure you that there will be practical evidence that Enugu State is no longer a state where vandals survive,” he said.

    Otoibhi said that within three weeks in the office he had been able to fix some of the broken down operational vehicles of the Command; thus, improve the operational capability of the Command.

     

    “As a core operational man, I have fixed some vehicles already and will still do more. The job is in the field and not the office,” he said.

    On the show-of-force, the new Commandant said that it was to announce to criminals in town that a new boss is around; and “it will never be business as usual”.

    “They should get ready to repent or quietly leave the state to elsewhere; it will not contain them any longer,” he assured.

     

    He also thanked Gov. Peter Mbah for the warm welcome given to him as well as assurance to support the Command with vehicular logistics soon to enhence its operational capacity and capability.

    In the show-of-force, the NSCDC personnel moved round New Market axis, Coal Camp axis, Agbani Road axis, Enugu-Port Harcourt Federal Highway, Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway, Emene axis, Abakpa Nike axis, Ogui-Ogbete axis and Okpara avenue within Enugu metropolis.

  • GOC stresses need for involvement of TTP, Training and Retraining in checkmating insecurity

    GOC stresses need for involvement of TTP, Training and Retraining in checkmating insecurity

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has stressed the need for training, retraining and involvement of Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) in checkmating insecurity.

     

    Dada said this on Monday in Enugu while declaring opening the 82 Division Operational Planning Cadre, which would run between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9 within the Division’s Headquarters in Enugu.

    The GOC noted that the Operational Planning Cadre (training/retraining) had become expedient considering the increased participation of the Nigerian Army in exercises, joint and multinational operations.

     

    According to him, there is also the need for adherence to Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) in the conduct of military operations.

     

    “The prevailing security situation in the country coupled with some peculiar events within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) especially the recent agitation of secessionist groups has made it imperative that we continue to train, retrain and evolve our TTPs where necessary.

    “This Cadre keys into the clear Command Philosophy outlined by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), which is to – Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards Achieving Our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment -.

     

    “This philosophy aligns perfectly with the aim of this Cadre, which is to refresh and equip our officers and other participants with requisite skills to plan, organise and execute military operations seamlessly in conventional and asymmetrical warfare situations.

     

    “Participants are therefore encouraged to take the Cadre seriously by paying utmost attention in order to understand what is being taught and also make meaningful contributions,” he said.

    The GOC warned that the army and security agencies cannot afford to be complacent in ensuring adequate preparation to face existing and other futuristic security challenges, adding: “Hence, this Cadre is an essential step in that direction”.

     

    He noted that the resource persons for the training from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College are highly experienced and knowledgeable on the subject matter.

     

    “I urge all participants to actively engage in all the activities and discussions, for I firmly believe that inputs will prove invaluable in enhancing our capabilities.

     

    “Additionally, the understanding and integration of the role of air power and achievable/actionable intelligence for positive outcomes in the conduct of operations are essential,” he said.

    The GOC revealed that some personnel of military and paramilitary agencies are taking part in the training, adding that their participation and collaborative partnership would enhance the Cadre and demonstrate the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing security challenges.

     

    “I am confident that with your active participation and the wealth of experience of our resource persons, we will emerge from this Cadre better equipped to fulfill our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

     

    “Thereby, transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force,” he added.

     

    Some personnel of military and paramilitary agencies participating in the Cadre are drawn from the Nigerian Air Force; Nigeria Police, NSCDC, DSS, FRSC, Nigerian Customs, Nigerian Immigration Service, NDLEA and Federal Fire Service among others.

  • CNS National Swimming Championship Ends With Commendation for Nat. Sports Commission, its Initiator

    CNS National Swimming Championship Ends With Commendation for Nat. Sports Commission, its Initiator

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Port Harcourt (Flowerbudnews) The 11th Edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) National Swimming Championship has ended in Port Harcourt with a commendation of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for initiating the competition in 2009.

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu, gave the commendation at the closing ceremony of the championship on Friday on Port Harcourt.

    Rear Admiral Nwatu noted on behalf of the CNS that the championship had led to the discovery of talents that would represent Nigeria in next year’s swimming championships.

    He recalled that the competition had produced many stars in the past, including Lt-Cdr. Labake Oriretan who had represented and won many laurels for Nigeria.

    The FOC NAVTRAC urged the participants to maintain the friendship that they have established among themselves during the championship.

    Rear Admiral Nwatu also enjoined them to continue to practice and train hard for future champions.

    He noted that the championship was held annually on public-private partnership basis involving the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Aquatic Federation, stressing that swimming was synonymous with the Navy.

    Swimming”is a very important activity and recreation for the Nigerian Navy,’: Rear Admiral Nwatu said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Breaking: Brutality; Men in Military Uniform Brutalise Unidentified Persons

    Breaking: Brutality; Men in Military Uniform Brutalise Unidentified Persons

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  A video of some men in Military Uniform brutalising unknown civilians have hit the net, going viral on several social media channels.

    A copy of the video made available to Flowerbudnews shows the uniformed men flogging the unidentified civilians with so much verocity and seriousness.

     

    The unidentified civilians were apparently forced to the ground,- face-down while the Unidentified Persons in uniform took turns to flog them.

    When contacted, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau told Flowerbudnews that he was also seeing the video for the first time.

    ‘:I’m just seeing this video for the first time,’: he said.

    He reiterated the military’s stance against any forms of Brutality.

    ”The military has zero tolerance to any brutality against any innocent civilian,” he said.

    He assured that the incident would be investigated saying, ‘:I will forward to the appropriate quarters for investigation..”  (Flowerbudnews)